New subscription service offers flexibility to van operators

Date: Thursday, June 3, 2021   |   Author: James Dallas

A newly-launched online van subscription business claims it will help operators to make the switch to electric vans. 

Duncan Chumley, boss of Myvandirect, says the flexibility of the service will enable customers to find out if electric vans are suitable for their needs without having to commit to outright purchase or a long-term lease. 

“With multiple electric vans available, Myvandirect can offer business owners the opportunity to trial a more environmentally and financially sustainable method of mobility. If the trial isn’t successful there is always the option to change vehicle, change subscription length, or terminate early,” said Chumley. 

Myvandirect, which started trading in May, offers vans on subscription across the UK for periods of from one month to two years and follows the introduction of Mycarsdirect in September 2020. Customers can change vehicles within their subscription period and can also alter the length of the subscription itself, according to Chumley. 

As an example, he explained: “If you finish early you can just pay the higher [monthly] rate.” 

So if a customer takes on a 24 month subscription but hands back the vans after six months they pay the higher six month rate for the time they had the vans. 

Chumley says the Hemel Hempstead-based businesses can supply cars and small and medium-sized vans with a range of powertrains to operators of all sizes with an ‘all inclusive’ deposit and monthly fee covering maintenance, tyre replacement, road tax and breakdown. 

Chumley claims the explosion in home deliveries due to online shopping and extended lockdown periods during the coronavirus pandemic has driven up demand for a van subscription service, with companies having to rapidly adapt to the standards set by home delivery specialists such as Amazon. 

“Many small businesses do not have the resources to purchase their own vans or the confidence to commit to a three or four year contract hire agreement,” he said. 

“Myvandirect enables business owners to easily monitor their outgoings according to the regular monthly fee but equally have peace of mind knowing they are not responsible for the maintenance, breakdown, MOT, or road tax of the vehicles.” 

“By the end of 2022 we want 500 [vans] out on subscription,” Chumley said.



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